KEELY BLEST

Gold Coast Community Christmas Lunch

One of the most memorable achievements that I have experienced is being a part of the committee that organises the Gold Coast Community Christmas lunch each year. For the past three years I have work with two other dedicated, passionate ladies to develop, promote and co-ordinate the Community Christmas Lunch. This event is held on Christmas Day each year for those people in the community who may be homeless, do not have any family to share Christmas with, or who may not have enough money to buy presents and food for themselves or their family. On the day guests are treated to a full Christmas lunch, entertainment, and presents for all the family.

 

My primary role within the organising committee is to co-ordinate over 100 volunteers who dedicate their time on Christmas day to give to those less fortunate. I am responsible for developing and monitoring the online registration forms, contacting and liaising with volunteers, organising transport for lunch attendees, and working with organisations within the Gold Coast community to secure donations of presents and food for the big day. My position on the committee also involves having to work as part of a team utilising skills such as problem-solving, interpersonal communication, organisation and decision-making.

 

Every year since the inaugural Gold Coast Community Christmas Lunch,

the event has been a success. Although numbers of attendees, and

applications to volunteer have increased each year, the success of the

event is not measured in quantitative terms. We as the organising committee

evaluate success in terms of the feedback we receive from guests and volunteers.

The comments we receive from guests are overwhelmingly positive, and provide the reassurance that is needed to continue the event each year. Feedback we receive from volunteers is both positive, and constructive and helps us to continue to improve the event each year.

 

Although I have developed many personal skills over the three years I have been volunteering with the Gold Coast Community Christmas Lunch, there are still areas upon which I would like to become more proficient. I am currently focussing on improving the way in which I delegate tasks, and utilising the skilled and experienced volunteers from the Gold Coast community. Furthermore, I am also learning to adapt to working with different personality types, and learning how best to create a cohesive, effective working environment. I will be able to further develop and apply these skills throughout the organisation and implementation of the event this year, as well as in other aspects of my academic and professional life.